Nearly nude woman crashes SUV during pursuit

POWAY  A nearly nude motorist fleeing from authorities crashed a sport-utility vehicle down a 100-foot ravine in Poway before she was arrested Monday afternoon, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

A CHP officer saw the 35-year-old driver run a stop sign in a blue Ford Explorer in Ramona just after 4:50 p.m., Officer Robert Catano said.

The officer tried to pull the SUV over, but the driver fled, reaching speeds up to 85 mph and blowing through red lights, Catano said.

Officers and deputies chased the Explorer on state Route 67, then onto Poway Road, authorities said.

The woman turned the SUV onto a private drive on Poway Road and drove about ¾ of a mile before losing control and crashing down the ravine into rocks, Catano said.

The woman – clad only in undergarments – suffered scratches and minor injuries. Authorities had her in custody by 5 p.m., he said.